Hey friends!
It’s Joleen here, and I’m still smiling from ear to ear after my latest episode of the Happy Time Craftcast because—drumroll, please—I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with the amazing Shae Freeman!
If you’ve been hanging out with me for a while, you know there’s one question I love to ask every guest:
"If you didn’t have the job you have now, what job would you want?"
And I always say, “I’d love to be a welder,” but let’s be real—I’m way too accident-prone for that life.
But guess what? Shae has actually lived that life! Yep, she’s a trained metal sculptor who’s gracefully transitioned into the magical world of mixed media art. Isn’t that just the coolest?
What I Learned About Shae (and Fell in Love With!)
Shae isn’t just an artist—she’s a creative force wrapped in passion, curiosity, and a sprinkle of whimsy. She blends her love for nature, spirituality, and learning into every piece she creates. Oh, and did I mention she’s a Reiki Master, a craniosacral practitioner, and an herbalist? I mean, talk about wearing all the creative hats!
We bonded over our mutual obsession with:
- Collage and ephemera (Stacks on stacks of paper goodies!)
- Art journaling (Of course!)
- And yes… the love-hate relationship with fussy cutting.
Shae’s Art Wisdom Nuggets (That I’m STILL Thinking About)
- Organizing Ephemera is an Art Form.
Shae has bins, labels, and systems that made me want to run to the store for more storage containers. She’s basically the Marie Kondo of art scraps, and I am HERE for it. - Fussy Cutting = A Black Hole.
She admitted that once she starts fussy cutting, she can’t stop—and honestly, same. It’s like, “Oh, just one more piece,” and then suddenly it’s three hours later, and you’re surrounded by tiny paper hands and bird wings. - Old Books = Treasure Troves.
Shae hunts for vintage books, birding magazines, and even random finds like a 1928 report card (yes, really!) to use in her art. Her tip? Check library sales, antique shops, and those random "FREE BOOKS" boxes we all secretly love. - Art and Nature Go Hand-in-Hand.
Shae’s love for birding, motorcycling, and even messing around with fungus (yes, you read that right) feeds her creativity. It’s a reminder that inspiration is everywhere if you keep your eyes (and heart) open.
What YOU Can Learn from This Episode:
Get Organized: Whether you’re a messy artist (like me sometimes!) or a label queen (like Shae), finding a system that works for you can make creating even more joyful.
Embrace the Process: Fussy cutting, collage layering, hunting for vintage scraps—it’s all part of the fun. Don’t rush it.
Find Inspiration Everywhere: From birds to books to old report cards, life is full of tiny treasures waiting to be discovered.
Art is Healing: Shae’s blend of creativity and mindfulness reminded me how therapeutic making art can be—for your mind, heart, and soul.
So, grab your art journal, dust off your ephemera stash, and dive into this episode if you haven’t already. I promise you’ll walk away feeling inspired, maybe a little obsessed with organizing your supplies, and definitely ready to create something beautiful.
Until next time, friends—keep creating, keep laughing, and never underestimate the power of a good glue stick.
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio:
Shae Freeman is a New Orleans-based mixed media artist with a background in metal sculpting. Her art journey is intertwined with her passions for nature, spirituality, and continuous learning. When she’s not creating, you’ll find her birdwatching, riding motorcycles, or getting curious about fungi.
Follow Shae
Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00 – 2:44] Welcome & Introduction to Shae
[02:45 – 06:19] From Welding to Mixed Media Art
[06:20 – 12:09] Collage Love: Organizing Ephemera like a Pro
[12:10 – 18:34] The Great Fussy Cutting Debate
[18:35 – 24:59] Hidden Treasures: A 1928 Report Card Discovery
[25:00 – 32:14] Eco-Friendly Art: Recycling Tips
[32:15 – 39:59] Art & Healing: Shae’s Spiritual Practices
[40:00 – 48:49] Favorite Magazines & Book Finds for Collage
[48:50 – 50:00] Crafting with Purpose: How Art Reflects Personal Growth
[50:01 – 53:15] Shae’s Philosophy: Blending Art with Mindfulness & Nature
[53:16 – 59:30] Rapid-Fire Questions
[59:31 – End] Wrap-Up and Call-to-Action
Quotes from the Episode
- “Having the supplies and using the supplies are almost like two different hobbies.” – Joleen Emery
- “Art is not just what we create; it’s how we connect with the world around us.” – Joleen Emery
- “Art and nature go hand in hand. Sometimes, I find the best inspiration just by watching birds or walking in the woods.” – Shae Freeman
- “I believe art is healing—not just in what we create, but in the act of creating itself.” – Shae Freeman
Resources and Links:
- Strawberry Moon Magazine (featuring Shae's work)
- Shae’s recommendations: Audubon Magazine, vintage field guides, and old library books for collage fodder
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